Cameron Bancroft's Cricketing Career Over? Pat Cummins Delivers Striking Verdict

Australia captain Pat Cummins has been in touch with Cameron Bancroft and Marcus Harris and has assured them that they feature prominently in the Test team’s plans.

Both the batsmen were the frontrunners to replace David Warner as opener in Australia‘s Test side. However, the Australian team management decided against tinkering too much with the settled lineup and promoted Steve Smith as an opener while recalling Cameron Green to the playing eleven to bat at no. 4. Additionally, Matt Renshaw has been selected as a reserve opener for the upcoming two-match series against West Indies.

The latest snub is a huge blow for both Bancroft and Harris as they try to get their Test career back on track. Bancroft has not played a Test since the Lord’s Test against England in 2019 while Harris’ last appearance in Tests came in 2022 during the 2021-22 Ashes at home.

Pat Cummins reassures Bancroft and Harris:

Bancroft was the highest run-scorer in the Sheffield Shield last season and is the leading run-scorer in the ongoing season as well. On the other hand, Harris has a central contract but has found himself out of favor in recent times.

As Bancroft and Harris try to make peace with yet another setback, Pat Cummins has reassured them they will be considered for a place in the Test side. He also praised both of the batters’ performance in a domestic circuit while also giving them a ‘don’t change’ message.

“Obviously private phone calls, but no real surprises,” Pat Cummins said ahead of the first Test against West Indies. “We love what they both are doing in first-class cricket. We love what they bring to any side they’re playing in. They’re doing all the right things. Unfortunately, they both just missed out on this one. So [the] message was ‘don’t change’.

“In international cricket, there’s always injuries or these guys [the incumbents] aren’t going to be around forever. Marcus and Cam are still relatively young, as is Renners. So once that opening comes up at some point, any one of them we’re confident can jump straight in and do a really good job,” he added.

The first Test between Australia and West Indies is scheduled to begin on January 17. Australia will be high on confidence after sweeping the three-match series against Pakistan earlier this month and will be eyeing another series win.